Classification is an important tool for understanding and organising the diverse range of organisms inhabiting our planet. Traditionally, this process involves the utilization of tools like dichotomous keys. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a novel tool for classification has emerged, presenting exciting possibilities.

Note:

• Maximum number of students is 50 per day

What tools can be used to classify living things and why do we do this?

In this program, students will:

• Learn the usefulness and limitations of various classification tools
• Learn how to construct a dichotomous key
• Learn how AI can be used when studying the environment
• Understand the basic concepts of machine learning and the steps to build a simple AI model for biological identification
• Develop their metacognitive skills through turning qualitative visual information into quantitative information

The students will:

• Use different keys and the Ecolinc Macro ID tool to identify a range of macroinvertebrates
• Create a dichotomous key to identify different species of eucalypts in the Ecolinc grassy woodland
• Train a computer program to recognise cats and dogs with a set of training data
• Use Teachable Machine to build a model that can be used as an identification tool

Science: Science Understanding

• There are similarities and differences within and between groups of organisms living on Earth; the development and use of classification tools, including dichotomous keys, help order and organise human understanding of the diversity of life (VC2S8U01)

Science: Science Inquiry

• Equipment can be selected and used to generate and record data with attention to precision, using digital tools as appropriate (VC2S8I03)
• Data and information can be organised and processed by selecting and constructing representations including tables, graphs, keys, models and mathematical relationships (VC2S8I04)

Digital Technologies: Data, information and privacy

• Investigate how digital systems represent text, image and audio data using integers and binary (VC2TDI8D01)
• Analyse and visualise data using a range of software, including spreadsheets and simple database queries, draw conclusions and make predictions by identifying trends (VC2TDI8D03)

Digital Technologies: Creating Digital Solutions

• Design and modify the user interface and user experience of a digital system; generate, communicate and evaluate the alternative designs (VC2TDI8C03)

Capabilities: Critical and creative thinking

• Strategies for generating new ideas and possibilities including identifying a pattern across multiple information sources (VC2CC8Q03)